Targeting a Specific Glycosylated Epitope of CD43 with a New Humanized Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Pediatric and Adult T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL)

Abstract Introduction: T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) accounts for about 20% of pediatric and adult ALL cases. Despite the use of intensive chemotherapy protocols, 25% of children and 50% of adult patients fail to respond or relapse. The 3-years prognosis for these patients is poor and novel treatment options are needed. The targeting of tumor-associated antigens by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) is among the most investigated immune-therapeutic strategies. Accordingly, we developed a new humanized mAb (hUMG1), directed against a heavy glycosylated epitope of CD43 which presents a high reactivity against T-ALL cells. Here we investigated the pre-clinical therapeutic activity and t…